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STARTING A

SMALL BUSINESS


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Internet AccessMany of the resources listed in this guide are web-based only. If you

do not have your own Internet connection, try your local library or

Community Futures British Columbia office. For free Internet accesscall 604.289.4222 to find the location nearest you.

This guide is also available electronically at:

www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/pdf/Start_SmlBusiness.pdf

or for translated versions visit:

www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/translations.html

Small Business BC

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/products-and-services/free-resources

OneStop Business Registry

www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/startingabusiness.htm

www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/m/ssb2014/


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C O N T E N T S

This Guide 1

Your Two Primary Resources 2

14 Steps to Starting Your Own Small Business 6

1. Make Sure Running a Small Business is Right for You 6

2. Decide on a Business Structure 7

3. Develop a Business Plan 8

4. Secure Your Financing 10

5. Choose a Business Name and Have it Approved 11

6. Register Your Business 12

7. Secure Your Online Presence 14

8. Register for Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) 15

9. Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) 15

10. Complete Other Registrations 16

11. Investigate Additional Business Registrations

and Requirements 19

12. Identify Permit and Licensing Requirements BizPaL 21

13. Get Support 21

14. Check Out Other Useful Resources 23

Aboriginal Entrepreneurs 23

Young Entrepreneurs 24

Women Entrepreneurs 24

General Information 25


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T H I S G U I D EThe strength of small business continues to drive the economy in

British Columbia.

A remarkable 98 per cent of all businesses in British Columbia (B.C.)

are small businesses (those having fewer than 50 employees or

self-employed), providing employment for over 1 million people.

These jobs account for 55 per cent of private sector employment

within the province.

In 2012 there were approximately 385,900 small businesses operating

in B.C. They range from agriculture to technology, hospitality to

tourism, construction to manufacturing, and education to mining

and resource management.

This publication has been developed as an introductory guide to help

you with planning and starting a small business. It provides essential

information as well as links to additional resources to help ensure that

your new business is successful.

Further resources can also be located through the Business tab of the

website for the Province of B.C. located at: www.gov.bc.ca


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Your Two Primary ResourcesMany helpful resources appear throughout this guide. The two that

provide essential services and information for B.C. entrepreneurs are

Small Business BC and the OneStop Business Registry.

Small Business BCwww.smallbusinessbc.ca

82601 West Cordova Street

Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1

Tel: 604.775.5525 or 1.800.667.2272

Fax: 604.775.5520

E-mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @smallbusinessbcFacebook: /smallbusinessbc

Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and

guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business.

Supported by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and

Western Economic Diversification, Small Business BC offers a wide

range of free and affordable business services, education and resources.

No matter what stage or what skill level, when an entrepreneur finds

themselves asking How do I?, Small Business BC can help.

To register to receive updates from Small Business BC on

information, resources and events for entrepreneurs in B.C.,

visit: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/community


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>General Business Information Advisory Service:Book a

complimentary 30-minute consultation with a Business Advisor

to help answer your business inquiries.

>Business Plan Advice:Meet with a Business Plan Analyst for a

business plan review to help you prepare to approach lenders, or

coaching to develop your overall business strategy.

>Market Research Advisory Services:Schedule a one-on-one

consultation with a Market Research Analyst to assist you with

market research in areas such as target market analysis, industry

analysis and competitive analysis.>Ask an Expert:Book one-on-one consultations with professionals

in human resources, accounting, legal, market research, branding,

social media, websites and more.

>Import/Export Advice:Meet with a Trade Advisor for a

consultation on business requirements and to register your

import or export business.

>Business Seminars and Webinars:Information-packed business

seminars on over 50 topics, including import and export topics,

delivered by industry experts, who are also small business owners.

Seminars are held at the Small Business BC office in Vancouver and

are also available through webinar across B.C.

>Business Blog and Articles:Get up-to-date information from

real-life entrepreneurs and business experts on the Small Business BCwebsite.

>Business Bookstore:Offering the most popular how-to publications

on almost every area of business.

>Events:Opportunities for networking, celebration and education. In

October a series of free business seminars and webinars are offered

for Small Business Month. The annual Small Business BC Awards,

which celebrate the best small businesses across B.C., opens for

nominations on October 1st.


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OneStop Business Registry

www.bcbusinessregistry.ca

Help Desk: 1.877.822.6727


The OneStop Business Registry allows new and existing businesses

to complete the most commonly required business registrations and

transactions online, quickly and easily. Through OneStop (open 24 hours

a day, seven days a week) you can:

>Register a sole proprietorship or general partnership in the Province of

British Columbia.>Register with WorkSafeBC as an employer or apply for Personal

Optional Protection coverage.

>Register for a Provincial Sales Tax account with the Ministry of Finance.

>Register for the Goods and Services Tax (GST), payroll deductions,

corporate income tax and import/export accounts.

>Apply for business licences with participating local governments /First Nations.

>Apply for a business BCeID. This is an online service that makes it

possible for you to use one login ID and password to sign in securely

to any BCeID participating provincial government website.

>Renew an existing liquor licence, or view the status of any changes

you have requested to your liquor licence.

In addition:

>You can get your Business Number (BN) through OneStop. This is a

unique nine-digit root number assigned to your business that travels

with you no matter what government agency you are working with

making it simpler and easier for you to do business with us.


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OneStop Access

If you would like to use OneStop services but do not have your own

computer, try one of the more than 100 OneStop locations across the

province, where public access terminals are available along with staffto help, if you need it.

To find the nearest location, call the OneStop Help Desk at

1.877.822.6727 Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time

(8 a.m. to 8 p.m. mountain time) except statutory holidays.

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY:RESTORING DATA INC.Like many small business o

wners,

Ilana and Noam Kenigs inspiration

to start ReStoring Data Inc. in

Vancouver, B.C. came from an

under-serviced need. Noams

background is in computerforensics, but after being approached

repeatedly by people who had lost their digital data he realized that

there was an opportunity to provide professional and affordable data

recovery solutions.

In business for eight years now, ReStoring Data Inc. started out as a

husband and wife team, but they quickly had to add staff to keep

up with their growing workload. Even though Noam and Ilana grew

their team early on, they still face the same challenge that many

entrepreneurs face more to do in a day than there is time. The

immense amount of work involved in running your own business

is incredible, says Noam. But no matter how demanding, stressful

and challenging your business becomes, remember that being an

entrepreneur is a journey, not a destination, so learn to love and enjoy

the ride. Never lose the fire, be prepared for ups and downs, and

surround yourself with the right people.

For more small business success stories visit

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/around-bc


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14 STEPS TO STARTING YOUR

OWN SMALL BUSINESSThe following are the basic steps most new small businesses needto take before they can begin operating in B.C.

1. Make Sure Running a Small Businessis Right for YouIt takes time, commitment, a good idea, the right personality

and at least a few basic business skills to start and run a small

business successfully.

The Small Business BC website provides direction on how to evaluate

and test your idea for a new small business. www.smallbusinessbc.ca

>To get started, see their how to guide on evaluating your business

concept. www.smallbusinessbc.ca/starting-a-business/how-evaluate-

your-business-idea

>The Business Plan Checklist makes sure youve completed your

research and thought through your idea. www.smallbusinessbc.ca/

products-and-services/free-resources/business-plan-checklist

Another great resource is Small Business BCs list of Frequently Asked

Questions, which answers the most common inquiries heard from

entrepreneurs when theyre first starting a business. If you have an ideaand dont know where to begin, visit: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/faqs

If youre interested in starting a business, but you just dont have

that great business idea yet, Small Business BC suggests a number of

resources to help you research key industries, emerging trends, and local

competition at: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/faqs#businessideas


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You can also use WorkBCs free smartphone application, Boss Yourself,

to explore the skills you need to start your own business and to become

your own boss. Designed for youth, Boss Yourself shows you what it takes

to be an entrepreneur. Youll sharpen your business skills through a seriesof fun challenges. Along the way, youll earn bronze, silver and gold crests

in key areas, including:

financial planning

human resources

problem solving

marketing

Boss Yourself also features articles and resources that will help you get

started on making your own business a reality. www.bossyourselfbc.ca

ASK FOR ADVICE

If you are not sure which business structure will be best for your business,

we recommend you talk to a lawyer and an accountant to find out what

each type requires, both legally and financially.

2. Decide on a Business StructureMost small businesses are operated as one of the following:

>Sole proprietorship, where you are the owner/operator or self-employed.

>General partnership, where you join with one or more partner

>Corporation (also known as a limited liability company)

Small Business BC discusses the pros and cons of each business type

and structure at: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/faqs#whatstructure

You can also find more information about the different business

structures through BC Registry Services. www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca

Information on other business structures, such as societies andcooperatives, is also available at this site.

Corporations Canada(part of Industry Canada) provides extensive

information on corporations, including the benefits of federal

incorporation if you want to expand your business to other provinces.

Visit: www.corporationscanada.ic.gc.ca


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SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY:THE EDGE FOOD ENERGY COMPANY

For Matthew Traynor and Chloe Peake ofQualicum Beach, B.C. the lure of partnering

to start a 100% organic nutr

ition bar business

had a lot to do with setting their own pace

and hours. I love knowing that every action

I take has a direct impact on the future of

our business. Its a lot of pressure, but also

offers a lot of freedom, says Chloe.

Matthew and Chloes partnership has proven to be a great fit, and has

been essential to their early business success. We recognize strengths

and weaknesses in one another and we communicate very effectively,

says Matthew. Shes a fantastic business partner and friend.

The secret to their success? A solid partnership and a dedicated team.



3. Develop a Business PlanYouve no doubt heard the expression, Failing to plan is planning to

fail. Many entrepreneurs write a business plan only when they need

to secure start-up financing. However, your plan is far more than adocument for banks and investors to read; its an invaluable roadmap

for launching and growing your business. With a plan, not only can

you spot potential weaknesses, opportunities and threats, your plan

can help you make informed decisions about your venture before you

commit yourself legally or financially.

If youre unfamiliar with business planning, start by reviewing

Small Business BCs how to guide on business planning:

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/starting-a-business/how-write-a-business-plan


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To have someone review your business plan, make an appointment

with a Business Advisor at Small Business BC. They offer business plan

review services if youre seeking financing, submitting a business

proposal or just looking for a professional assessment. Small Business BCalso offers services to review sections of your plan, such as the executive

summary or the marketing plan. All information submitted to Small

Business BC will be kept in total confidence and will not be distributed

or communicated without first obtaining your express written consent.

Go to: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/products-and-services

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY:MASON INDUSTRIESJason Mason, of Surrey, B.C. loved

snowboarding in jeans, which

posed a slight problem: if he fell,

hed be soaking wet for the rest

of the day.

Unsatisfied with the look-a-alike

denim outerwear options available,

he decided to take matters into his own hands in the summer of 2011.

That was the spark that led to the creation of Mason Industries.

Jason took the time to lay a solid, research-based foundation for

his business, and he advises other entrepreneurs to do the same:

Everybodys got a million dollar idea. Can you show the work?

Walk the walk before you talk the talk. Write a business plan. Have

a business plan. Update your business plan. Business plan. Business

plan. Business plan.

His Classic Rock Pants are now worn by well-known snowboarders

Wes Makepeace and Jeff Muirhead, and Jason has also been featured

on CTVs Steele on Your Side and in Business in Vancouver magazine.




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4. Secure Your FinancingFor your new small business to succeed, you need to have enough

money to cover business start-up costs and daily operating expenses

for at least three months. If you dont have enough money for start-upthrough family, friends, loans or lines of credit, you may need to consider

outside sources of financing. For information about government, private

and venture capital sources of financing, go to:

>Small Business BCat:

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/starting-a-business/how-finance-your-start-

businessor

>Canada Business Networkwebsite at:

www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/program/search/

In addition, financing for small business is available through

the following:

>The Canada Small Business Financing Programmakes it easier

for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions. The

Government of Canada shares the risk with lenders to make it

possible for more entrepreneurs to receive financing. For more

information on eligibility call 1 866 959-1699 or visit:

www.ic.gc.ca/csbfp

>The Canadian Youth Business Foundation(CYBF): CYBF provides

youth aged 18-39 with start-up financing (loans up to $45,000) and

mentorship to help launch and sustain successful businesses.

www.cybf.ca

>Womens Enterprise Centre(WEC): WEC provides business loans up

to $150,000 to women in B.C. who own a business or are thinking of

starting or buying a business. www.womensenterprise.ca

> If you live in rural B.C., visit your local Community Futures British

Columbiaoffice. To find the one nearest you, call 604.289.4222

or visit: www.communityfutures.ca/location-finder


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>The Ministry of International Tradeoffers programs to help small

businesses gain access to investment capital, from those just

starting out to those wanting extra capital to compete in global

markets. For more information call 1.800.665.6597 or visit:www.mit.gov.bc.ca/icp

>Banks and credit unions can provide you with information on

products and services designed to help your business operate

effectively. Information on financial services for small business is

available from:

Canadian Bankers Associationat www.cba.caor call1 800 263-0231

Central 1 Credit Unionat www.central1.comor call

1 800 661-6813

5. Choose a Business Name

and Have it ApprovedChoosing a business name is one of the most important decisions youllmake when starting your business, and most likely one of the hardest.

If you want to use a business name that is anything other than your

personal name, you will need to have your business name approved by,

and then registered with BC Registry Services.

Business names must have both a distinctive and a descriptive element,like ABC (distinctive element) Landscaping (descriptive element). You

must add a corporate designation, such as Ltd. if you are planning to

incorporate your business.

If you need help coming up with a great business name,

Small Business BC offers some tips on how to get the perfect name:

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/starting-a-business/choosing-a-business-

name-made-easy


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Its a good idea to have a first, second and third choice for your business

name, just in case the name you want is not available. You can do

some preliminary research for potential conflicts by looking through

telephone listings, business directories or similar publications. Youcan also search for existing names on the BC Corporate Registryto

see if the name youve selected has already been registered:

www.bcregistrynames.gov.bc.ca/nro

You can download the Name Approval Request form at:

www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca/bcreg/corppg/forms.page

The form also includes guidelines for choosing a name.

The form is also available and can be processed at most OneStop

locations. To find the OneStop location nearest you, call

1 877 822-6727 or visit: www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/sites.htm

You can also apply for a Name Approval Request at:

www.bcregistrynames.gov.bc.ca/nro

Submit your name approval request electronically to the Name

Reservation Unit for examination at the Corporate Registry. Payment

online is by credit card (VISA, MasterCard and American Express).

There is online information available to assist you through the process.

Once your business name is approved, it will be reserved for 56 calendar

days. Within these 56 days, you must register your business with

BC Registry Services.

6. Register Your BusinessIf your business is a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you can

register it quickly and easily with the Province of British Columbia online

using the OneStop Business Registration Service at:

www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/registrations.htm

You will need VISA, MasterCard or American Express to complete and

pay for this transaction online.

Over-the-counter payments to register (using cash, debit card or

cheque) are accepted at OneStop locations such as Service BC Centres.

Call 1.877.822.6727 to find the location nearest you.


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If you decide you want to incorporate, you must file an Incorporation

Application with BC Registry Services.

>See the registrys website for detailed information on the application

process at: www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca

>Apply online using Corporate Online, www.corporateonline.gov.

bc.ca (pick File an Incorporation Application on the home page).

For information about applying for federal incorporation, visit

Corporations Canada at: www.corporationscanada.ic.gc.ca

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY:WHAT I SEE PHOTOGRAPHYFor Michelle Moore a White Rock-based

photographer and videogr

apher being in

business is all about connecting with other people.

As the owner of What I See Photo & Video,

she gets to make those personal connectionswith her clients every day, while leveraging her

passion and talents to document their lives

with eye-catching photos and videos.

When she started her business, Michelle was drawn to entrepreneurship

for two reasons: I loved the idea of having the flexibility to work at my

own pace and schedule, and also the freedom to create.

Michelle has learned a few other lessons while operating her business

over the years. Chiefly, she has learned the importance of not shying

away from setting the right price for her services.

Value your time and talent, she says. The value comes from your

technical knowledge, creative vision, time, experience and the

facilitation of the service. Michelle says, Know who you are, as a person

and brand. I would describe my brand as sophisticated fun, every photoand video is captured with vision and love. This may not resonate with

every client and that is okay, you want to make sure you have the right

fit before working together.




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7. Secure Your Online PresenceIn todays world it is almost essential for a business to have an online

presence, whether through company listings, social media or a

company website.

Creating a website for your business is no longer the expensive and

time-consuming activity it used to be; plenty of templates exist in

which you can simply input your business information and publish. If

you do choose to set up a website for your business, you will need to

secure a domain name (a name that will identify your Internet website)

and hosting. You can research whether the domain name you want isavailable, and buy the rights to that name. For a guide on how to

launch your website, see Small Business BCs Guide to Going Onlineat:

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/starting-a-business/launching-your-website-

a-guide-going-online

If youre looking for hands-on direction, Small Business BC provides

seminars and webinars on how to get your business online. To register

for an upcoming session, visit: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/seminars

Its also important to secure your presence on social media early on in

your business, even if you dont actively use it until later. Social media,

although very effective for many entrepreneurs, can also be extremely

time consuming, so think about your product or service and decide

which social media platform will make the best use of your time.


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Small Business BC offers seminars and webinars for business owners

who want to learn more about how to use social media to grow and

develop their business. To register for an upcoming session, visit:

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/seminars

You can also book a one-on-one session with a social media expert

through Small Business BC as part of their Ask the Expert series. Sessions

are available at their Vancouver office or via Skype from anywhere in B.C.

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/products-and-services/advisory-services

8. Register for Municipal and RegionalDistrict Tax (MRDT)If you operate a hotel, motel or other lodging in certain areas of the

province, you may be required to charge a municipal and regional

district tax (MRDT) on the purchase price of accommodation. This

means you may need to register with the Ministry of Finance. The MRDT

is currently collected in over 50 municipalities throughout the province

and is used to fund tourism marketing for the local area. To findout more about the MRDT, go to the ministry website at:

www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/bulletins/pst_120.pdf

9. Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST)If you sell or provide goods and services in Canada and your annual

world-wide GST taxable sales, including those of any associates,

are more than $30,000, you may be required to register for goodsand services tax (GST). To register online with the Canada Revenue

Agency, go to the OneStop Business Registry at



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10. Complete Other RegistrationsYou may also need to complete other provincial, federal or local

government registrations. The registrations that follow can be

completed through the OneStop Business Registry.www.bcbusinessregistry.ca

For example:

> If you plan to hire employees or have established your new business

as a corporation you will need to register with WorkSafeBC and

pay WorkSafeBCinsurance premiums. This will ensure you and

your workers are covered in case of work-related injury or disease. If

you are self-employed, you may also want to apply for WorkSafeBCs

Personal Optional Protection. To find out more, visit WorkSafeBCs

website at www.worksafebc.com. You might also want to

download Small Business Primer: A Guide to WorkSafeBCat:

www.worksafebc.com/publications/how_to_work_with_the_wcb/

Assets/PDF/Primer.pdf

> If you are hiring employees and you are paying salary, wages,

bonuses, vacation pay or tips to your employees or providing a

benefit to your employees such as boarding or lodging you will

need to register with the Canada Revenue Agency(CRA) for a

payroll deductions account. This account will enable you to make the

required Income Tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment

Insurance (EI) payments. For more about payroll deduction accounts,call 1.800.959.5525 or go to the CRAs website at:

www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/pyrll/menu-eng.html

> If your business is incorporated, or you are a non-resident corporation

operating in Canada, you will need to register for a Corporate Income

Tax account with the Canada Revenue Agency.

> If you are going to import or export goods, you will need to register

with the Canada Border Services Agency(CBSA). You can registeryour business with the CBSA through the OneStop Business Registry.

For more information about importing and exporting, go to

the CBSAs site at: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Select Import and Export

from the top of the page.


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> If you have a restaurant and serving food, as opposed to liquor, is

the primary focus of your business, you can apply for a restaurant

liquor licence through the OneStop Business Registryat:

www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/lclb.htm

For more information about a restaurant liquor licence, go to the

Liquor Control and Licensing Branchs website at:

www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/apply/index.htm

> If you need to change your business address through the OneStop

Business Address Change Service, or plan to access other

government e-services regularly, you will need a business BCeID.You can apply for a businessBCeIDthrough the OneStop Business

Registry. A BCeID is an online service that makes it possible for you

to use one login ID and password to sign in securely to any BCeID

participating provincial government website. For a complete list

of government e-services that use BCeID, visit the Online Service

Directory at: www.bceid.ca/directories/bluepages

HAVENT MADE UP YOUR MIND ABOUTIMPORTING OR EXPORTING?

Check out our Import/Export Guide.

This guide introduces you to the places and people who can help you

decide whether import/export is right for you, and how you can best

set up your business to enter the exciting world of international trade.The guide is available through the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills

Training at: www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/pdf/ImpExptGuideEng.pdf

or for translated versions visit:

www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/translations.html

In addition, your business may require a local government business

licence to operate. Please check with your local government orFirst Nation to find out about licence and zoning requirements in

your area. If you do need to register for a business licence, you may

be able to do so through the OneStop Business Registry.


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Visit www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/localgovernment.htmfor a list of

participating local governments and First Nations. You can also access

BizPaL, a convenient web-based service that allows business clients to

easily generate a customized list of the permits and licences neededfrom all levels of government by answering some simple questions

about their business. For more information about BizPaL, please refer

to step 12 on page 21 of this guide.

The Canada Revenue Agency also provides a summary of information

for small businesses, explaining federal requirements for GST, payroll

deductions, importing/exporting and corporate income tax.

Go to: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4070/README.html

or call 1.800.959.5525.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Small Business BC offers a Starting Your Business Checklistthat takes

you through the step-by-step process of starting a business as well as

ensuring you know exactly which registrations you need to complete.

Go to: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/starting-a-business/how-start-your-

business-your-legal-requirements

OTHER LAWS

You can find copies of all B.C. laws at: www.bclaws.ca. You can buy

printed copies through Crown Publications at 250 387-1120. You canalso sign up (for a fee) for QP Legaleze, a searchable database of current

provincial laws and laws that are under development (they have not

yet been passed by the legislature). For more information, visit:

www.qplegaleze.ca

PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS NAME

The names of sole proprietorships and general partnerships are notprotected by law, which means someone else could decide to use

the same name. Only incorporated businesses have that protection.

If protecting your business name is important to you, you may want

to incorporate your business.


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11. Investigate Additional BusinessRegistrations and RequirementsYou may need to consider additional registrations or requirements

before you open your small business. For example:

Employment Standards Branch

Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training

www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb

Toll Free in B.C. 1.800.663.3316

Tel: 250.612.4100 Prince George (or outside B.C.)

The Employment Standards Actand Employment Standards Regulationapply to most workplaces in British Columbia and cover important

issues such as required wage rates, vacations and overtime rules. If

you are planning to hire employees, you should be familiar with this

information.

Industry Training Authority

www.itabc.ca

Tel: 1.866.660.6011


The Industry Training Authority (ITA) ) is a provincial Crown agency that

leads and coordinates British Columbias skilled trades system. ITA works

with employers, employees, industry, labour, training providers and

government to issue credentials, manage apprenticeships, set program

standards, and increase opportunities in the trades. If you are planning

to hire apprentices to work in your new business, you will need to be

registered with the ITA.

Canada Revenue Agency

www.cra-arc.gc.ca

Tel: English 1.800.959.5525

Tel: French 1.800.959.7775

If your business is either a sole proprietorship or general partnership,you must report your share of gross and net profits (or losses) on your

individual tax return (T1). If your business is an incorporated company,

you must file a corporation tax return (T2) within six months after the

end of the corporations fiscal period.


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Canadian Company Capabilities Database

www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ccc-rec.nsf/eng/Home

Tel: 1.800.328.6189

You may consider joining Industry Canadas Canadian Company

Capabilities Database if you plan to:

>manufacture goods;

>export goods to another country; or

>sell products or services to other companies or organizations

Canadian Company Capabilities Database ensures buyers in Canadaand around the world know about your products and services. Over

500,000 domestic and international companies browse the database

every month looking for Canadian businesses. Register your business

with the database through the OneStop Business Registry at:


Canadian Intellectual Property Office

www.cipo.gc.caTel: 1.866.997.1936

Patents, copyrights and trademarks are all ways by which businesses

protect their intellectual property, including inventions, designs,

symbols and products. Industry Canadas Canadian Intellectual Property

Office offers a series of guides that explain how to register your business

patents, copyrights and trademarks.


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BUSINESS RECORDS

Whether you are hiring employees or working on your own, you are

required by law to keep complete records of your business incomeand expenses. The Canada Revenue Agencys website provides a list of

all business records you must keep. Visit www.cra-arc.gc.caand enter

records retention in the search box.

We also recommend you contact a qualified accountant to help you set

up and maintain proper business records and accounts. It is also a good

idea to talk to a lawyer for advice about any legal issues that may affectyour small business.

12. Identify Permit and Lic

ensingRequirements BizPaLwww.bcbizpal.ca

BizPaL is a free, online tool to streamline your business permit and

licensing experience. The step-by-step process generates a customized

list of permits and licenses you may need from all levels of government

in order to operate or open a business. By using BizPaL, entrepreneurs

minimize the time spent searching for permits and licences from about

seven hours to 20 minutes. BizPaL reduces red tape and makes your

interactions with all levels of government simpler and straight forward.

13. Get SupportIn British Columbia entrepreneurs are fortunate that so much support

exists to help them launch and grow a successful business. That being

said, some of the best advice and guidance you can receive will come

from experienced business owners themselves.

Mentorship BCis an online resource for small business owners in

B.C. to find and access mentorship programs. Using their search tool,

you can find a list of programs that best suit your needs.

www.mentorshipbc.ca


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Joining a local business group or networking group is a great way to

access experienced entrepreneurs, as well as to find potential clients.

Here are some organizations you might consider joining:

>Local Chamber of Commerce

bccc.bcchamber.org/list/category/chamber-members-189

>Local Business Improvement Association

www.bia.bc.ca/index.php?area_id=1003

>Womens business groups and organizations

www.womensenterprise.ca/networking_connections

Attending business events and conferences will help you learn new

skills and connect with like-minded people. For a list of upcoming

events across British Columbia, see Small Business BCs event calendar:

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/events/calendar

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY:

BOMBAY BROW BARAmy Minhas and Ravy Minhas-Mehr

oke are

a dynamic duo sisters and best friends

with an entrepreneurial edge. They always

knew they wanted to start a business

together, with one main focus: to make

people feel good about themselves.

The business idea came from my obsession with Indian beauty, Ravyexplains. In India eyebrows are super important because they frame

and transform your face by enhancing your features. Beautiful brows

can leave women looking and feeling gorgeous.

And what better business is there to open, than one that youre

obsessed with? The sisters took their passion and looked for support

from the business community to help them launch Bombay Brow

Bar in Vancouver, B.C., calling upon the Canadian Youth BusinessFoundation, Womens Enterprise Centre, Success BC, Forum for Women

Entrepreneurs and Small Business BC. When asked about the biggest

lesson they learned when first starting, they responded, Find a mentor!




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14. Check Out Other Useful ResourcesIn addition to Small Business BC and the OneStop Business Registry,

there are a number of other places where small business owners can

look for new business opportunities, practical advice and helpfulservices.

ABORIGINAL ENTREPRENEURS

Aboriginal Business Service Network

www.absn.ca

Tel: 1.888.576.4444

TTY (Teletypewriter): 1.800.457.8466Hosted by the Government of Canada, the Aboriginal Business Service

Network website brings together information, resources and services

specifically intended to help Aboriginal entrepreneurs improve their

access to capital and establish or develop their businesses. In the

Aboriginal Business Service Network you can find information about

starting and financing a business, developing a business plan and many

other topics all from an Aboriginal perspective.Aboriginal Business Entrepreneurship

and Skills Training (BEST) Program

www.smallbusinessconsultant.ca/best

Toll Free: (ENQUIRY BC) 1.800.663.7867 (Outside Greater Vancouver/

Greater Victoria)

Tel: 250.387.6121 (Greater Victoria)

Tel: 604.660.2421 (Greater Vancouver)E-mail: [email protected]

Aboriginal BEST is a 12-session training series offered by the Ministry

of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Service Canada that

provides young B.C. Aboriginal entrepreneurs, aged 18 to 35, with the

tools they need to start their own business. Through this program,

you can conduct market research, write a business plan and explore

financing options.


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First Citizens Fund

www.gov.bc.ca/arr/economic/fcf/default.html

Tel: (ENQUIRY BC) 1.800.663.7867

E-mail: [email protected] provincial Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

manages the First Citizens Fund to expand cultural, educational and

economic opportunities for Aboriginal people in B.C. One of the funds

primary goals is to help Aboriginal people and organizations start

and expand businesses through business loans and business advisory

services. Funding is also provided to the All Nations Trust Company

for a business loan program. For more information visit:www.antco.bc.ca/business-services

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Canadian Youth Business Foundation

www.cybf.ca

Tel: 1.800.464.2923 / 604.673.9967

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is a national non-profit

that turns great ideas into successful businesses. They look at character,

not collateral, when providing youth aged 18-39 with pre-launch

coaching, start-up financing (loans up to $45,000) and mentorship

to help launch and sustain successful businesses.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Womens Enterprise Centre

www.womensenterprise.caTel: 1.800.643.7014

Womens Enterprise Centre is the leading business resource for B.C.

women who own a business or are thinking of starting a business. Their

team of professionals provides business loans up to $150,000 to start,

grow or buy a business. They also offer workshops, business advisors,

mentors, resources and a supportive community to help women

succeed in business.


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GENERAL INFORMATION

Small Business BC

www.smallbusinessbc.ca

Tel: 1.800.667.2272E-mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @smallbusinessbc

Facebook: /smallbusinessbc

Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and

guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business.

Their team of business experts can assist with everything from business

registration to marketing strategy. They offer guided support, one-on-

one advisory services, business plan reviews, seminars and webinars on

over 50 topics and dozens of free resources designed to save you time

and money.

So, no matter what stage or what skill level, when you find yourself

asking How do I? Small Business BC can help.

Service BC

www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca

Victoria: 250.387.6121

Vancouver: 604.660.2421

Elsewhere in B.C.: 1.800.663.7867

Outside B.C.: 604.660.2421

Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD)

Vancouver: 604.775.0303

Elsewhere in B.C.: 1.800.661.8773

Service BC makes it easy for British Columbians to find and access the

government information and services they need. They provide services

to citizens, business and government through multiple channels,

including in-person, telephone, e-mail and online.


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Service BC Centres help citizens get the services they need, when,

where and how they wish to access them. Each of the 61 Service BC

Centres throughout the province provides in-person service for the

delivery of hundreds of government services. Individuals and businessescan access information, complete transactions and receive assistance

with forms, permits, licences and registrations from highly trained

local staff. Service BC Centre staff can help you and your small business

obtain information and conduct registration and payments.

All Service BC Centres are OneStop Business Registry locations.

For more information on OneStop, visit:

www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/index.htm

FrontCounter BC

www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca

Tel: 1.877.855.3222


FrontCounter BC offers a citizen-centred approach aimed at providing

clients with one source of information for all natural resource-sectorrelated licences, permits and registrations needed to conduct business

on Crown land in any part of the province. Clients may access

FrontCounter BC services by telephone, Internet, e-mail or face-to-face

with staff specifically trained and knowledgeable in authorizations and

permits required for sectors such as energy, mining, forestry, agriculture,

transportation, environment, commercial recreation, etc. FrontCounter

BC services include guiding clients through required authorizations;helping clients complete application packages; interpreting land

information, maps and management plans; following up and tracking

the status of applications filed; liaising between ministries, agencies and

governments; and free Internet access to services such as Base Maps

Online Store, BCeID, Integrated Land Resource Registry and Mineral

Titles On-Line. Find the location closest to you, visit:

www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/sites.htm


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WorkBC

www.workbc.ca

Tel: 250.952.6914

Toll Free: 1.877.952.6914E-mail: [email protected]

WorkBC is the provincial governments access point to the world of

work in British Columbia. It was created with one key goal to help all

British Columbians successfully navigate B.C.s labour market. WorkBC.ca

provides a single access point to connect job seekers and employers to

labour market information and services available across government.

WorkBC helps workers find jobs, explore career options and improvetheir skills. WorkBC also helps employers fill jobs, find the right talent

and grow their businesses.

Concierge Service

www.concierge.portal.gc.ca

Tel: 1.855.53.GUIDE (1.855.534.8433)

The Government of Canadas Concierge Service assists small to mediumenterprises in navigating the many available innovation resources and

support programs offered by the government. Concierge Advisors,

located across Canada, provide one-on-one assistance and will use

their industry experience and depth of knowledge to help guide clients

to the most appropriate innovation programs and services available.

The bilingual Concierge Service is delivered by the National Research

Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) incollaboration with over 40 federal and provincial partners.


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Community Futures Corporation

www.communityfutures.ca

Tel: 604.289.4222

Toll Free: 1.888.303.2332There are 34 Community Futures offices strategically located

throughout rural B.C. Supported by Western Economic Diversification,

Community Futures are non-profit organizations that provide business

financing, business counselling and training to small- and medium-sized

enterprises in their rural communities. To find the Community Futures

office that serves your community, please visit:

www.communityfutures.ca/location-finder

Canadas Pacific Gateway

www.pacificgateway.gov.bc.ca

British Columbia is the preferred gateway for Asia Pacific trade, with

the most competitive supply chain on the west coast of the Americas.

B.C.s integrated, seamless supply chain includes airports, seaports,

railways, roadways and border crossings, connecting Canada andthe North American market to Asia and the world. Government and

industry partners have made investments to increase capacity, eliminate

congestion, and streamline operations. Projects that are underway to

expand and enhance port, rail, road and airport infrastructure total

more than $22 billion. In 2013, additional public and private sector

investments were announced that will increase bulk and container

capacity and improve supply chain performance.


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Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training

www.gov.bc.ca/jtst

B.C. is committed to supporting and listening to its small businesses

and has developed numerous valuable resources for business ownersat various stages in their endeavours, including the development of

the Small Business Accord, a commitment to fostering a progressive

business culture where government initiatives support current and

future generations of small business owners across British Columbia.

To learn more about what government is doing to support your

business, find us online at: www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/sbaccord

Or join the conversation:

Twitter on #BCBizChat or #SmallBizBC

BC Small Business Roundtable the voice of small business to

government www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca


Western Economic Diversification Canada

www.wd.gc.ca

Tel: 604.666.6256 or 1.888.338.9378


Western Economic Diversification (WD) is committed to advancing

priority areas of Innovation, Trade and Investment, Skills Development,

and Aboriginal Economic Development. WD supports western Canadian

small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the WesternCanada Business Service Network, which includes Community Futures,

Aboriginal Business Services Network Society of B.C. (ABSN), the

Womens Enterprise Centre of British Columbia, and Small Business BC.

Through the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative, WD also offers

repayable contributions to western Canadian SMEs to commercialize

innovative processes and technologies.


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Small Business BCComprehensive business information and business

planning resources for starting and growing a

business in British Columbia

1.800.667.2272

www.smallbusinessbc.ca

OneStop Business RegistryOnline business registration and change of

business address

1.877.822.6727

www.bcbusinessregistry.ca

Ministry of Jobs,

Tourism and Skills Training

Small Business BranchInformation on provincial government programs

and services

Box 9822 Stn Prov Govt

Victoria, BC V8W 9N3

250.387.4699

www.gov.bc.ca/jtst

ServiceBCProvince-wide access to government services

including key government transactions for business

1.800.663.7867 (Enquiry BC) to be

transferred to the nearest

Service BC Contact Centre

www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca

FrontCounter BCSingle window service for clients of provincial

natural resource ministries and agencies to obtaininformation and authorizations needed to start or

expand a business

1.877.855.3222

www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca

BizPaL Business Permits and LicencesOnline tool to quickly and easily identify permit and

licensing requirements for business activities

[email protected]

www.bcbizpal.ca

WorkBCInformation and resources to help employers fill jobs,find the right talent and grow their business

www.workbc.ca

Aboriginal Business Service NetworkBusiness information and resources for

Aboriginal entrepreneurs

250.828.9834

www.absn.ca

Womens Enterprise CentreBusiness information counselling and skillstraining for women entrepreneurs

1.800.643.7014

www.womensenterprise.ca

Canada Business NetworkThe Government of Canadas main site for

business information

1.888.576.4444

www.canadabusiness.ca

Community Futures British ColumbiaBusiness counselling and assistance for new and

existing businesses in rural British Columbia

1.604.289.4222

www.communityfutures.ca

La Socit de dveloppement conomiqueThe Francophone Economic Development Organization

enhances the vitality of minority language communities

and assists with economic development

1.877.732.3534www.sdecb.com

Western Economic

Diversification CanadaWorks to strengthen western innovation, business

development and community economic development

1.888.338.9378

www.wd.gc.ca

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